I still remember the first time I watched Chinese Taipei's national football team play—it was during the 2018 Asian Games, and honestly, I wasn't expecting much. But what I witnessed was a team fighting with heart, discipline, and a surprising level of tactical awareness. Fast forward to today, and it's clear that something special is brewing in Chinese Taipei football. The journey hasn't been easy, but the progress is undeniable. From grassroots development to international exposure, the pieces are slowly falling into place. And while football may not yet rival baseball in popularity here, the momentum is building in ways that remind me of how community-driven events—like the Pokémon Fun Day caravan touring SM malls across Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Iloilo, and Davao until October 2025—can capture public imagination and foster long-term engagement. It’s that kind of sustained, localized effort that Chinese Taipei football needs to harness as it looks toward the future.

Let’s talk numbers for a moment. Back in 2016, the men's national team was ranked around 180th in the FIFA World Rankings. As of 2023, they've climbed to the 150-160 range. That might not sound like a huge leap, but in the context of Asian football, it's significant. The women's team, too, has shown flashes of brilliance, with a core group of players gaining experience in leagues abroad. I’ve had the chance to speak with a few coaches and former players, and one thing they all emphasize is the importance of youth infrastructure. Over the past decade, the number of registered youth players has grown by roughly 40%—from about 15,000 in 2013 to nearly 21,000 by 2022. These aren't just stats on a page; I’ve seen kids as young as six training with a level of enthusiasm that rivals what you’d see in more established football nations. It reminds me of how events like the Pokémon caravan create excitement at the local level—by going directly to communities in places like Bulacan or Davao, they build a sense of belonging. Football in Chinese Taipei is trying to do the same, holding clinics and friendly matches in neighborhoods rather than relying solely on big stadiums.

Of course, challenges remain. Funding has always been a sticking point. While the government has increased its sports budget by around 12% over the last five years, football still receives a smaller slice compared to other sports. Corporate sponsorship is growing but isn't yet at the level you see in Japan or South Korea. I’ve noticed that many clubs rely on local businesses and community backing—much like how the Pokémon events are sponsored and tailored for specific regions. That hyper-local approach could be a blueprint for football here. Another issue is infrastructure. We have about 35 proper football pitches nationwide, which sounds decent until you realize that many are underutilized or in need of upgrades. On the flip side, the passion is there. Attendances at domestic league matches have risen steadily—by my estimate, average crowds have gone from 800 per game in 2015 to over 2,000 now. It’s not massive, but it’s a start.

What excites me most, though, is the changing mentality. Ten years ago, the focus was mostly on not losing badly. Now, there's a real belief that Chinese Taipei can compete. I saw it during the 2022 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers—the team played with a confidence I hadn't seen before. Part of that comes from exposure to international football. More players are moving abroad; for example, midfielder Wei Yu-tze recently signed with a second-division club in Austria, and striker Lin Li-ting is making waves in Japan's women's league. These individual successes create a ripple effect. They show young athletes that dreams of playing professionally overseas are attainable. It’s a bit like how the Pokémon caravan rotates through different cities—each stop builds anticipation and connects people to a larger narrative. Football in Chinese Taipei is crafting its own story, one driven by grassroots energy and global ambitions.

Looking ahead, I’m optimistic but realistic. The goal for the next decade should be qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup—a feat that seemed nearly impossible a few years ago but now feels within reach. To get there, we need to focus on three things: sustained investment in youth academies, smarter coaching education, and leveraging cultural moments to boost visibility. Imagine if football clinics were as ubiquitous as the Pokémon Fun Day events—rolling into towns, creating memories, and inspiring the next generation. The potential is huge. Chinese Taipei football may not become a global powerhouse overnight, but with the right mix of passion, planning, and persistence, its rise could become one of Asia's great sports stories. And as someone who’s followed this journey closely, I can’t wait to see what happens next.